I used to work for a joint replacement surgeon. 80% of his practice was MC pts. He's doing very well despite how little they pay (and I think it's decreased 2% recently) because the volume is huge. He's a specialist that does over 1K surgeries a year. So far he's ok. But the family doctor is what I fear is going to be no more some day. Med students are not going to go in general practice. If not a surgeon then a specialist.

Originally Posted by Mooshville

I don't understand this. Of all doctors, the family doctor is who you see most often. How do you go to a specialist most times if not first seen by your family doctor? Unless you self diagnose or seen from an emergency room situation. Most medical issues I have, my GP was instrumental in catching, then referring me to a specialist.

Originally Posted by juanab

You don't need a referral if you have Medicare. You can go to any doc you want as long as they take Medicare part B.